A little piece of ocean paradise

Oudekraal beach offers beautiful sea views and calm waters

Oudekraal Beach, part of the Table Mountain National Park area, is one of Cape Town’s best kept secrets. Not far from the crowd favourites like Camps Bay and Clifton, this little beach is tucked away in a cove and offers a very different kind of experience.

This area has both historical and spiritual significance for the Muslim community: from the turn of the 18th century it was used as a refuge for slaves who had escaped from the colonial authorities and their masters. Among them were Muslim spiritual leaders who had been captured and brought to the Cape after leading uprisings against slavery in the Dutch East Indies. The Oudekraal ravines provided seclusion and safety for them and allowed them to teach their disciples and keep Islam going in the Cape.

The spiritual, historical and natural importance of this area has left this piece of the coast relatively untouched. The parking lot sits above the beach with a boma and braai area for functions and a general braai area right above the beach. The layering means that the views are not interrupted and the sections are kept separate and private by the milkwood trees. The small sandy beach is surrounded by boulders that shelter the cove, creating a swimming area with gentle swells that are easy to swim through.

Just above the beach to the left is a grassy area with braai places for afternoon picnics. Stake out your spot to build a fire, lie on the beach or climb on one of the boulders and soak up the sun. This is one of those Cape Town spots that leaves you feeling in awe of the natural beauty that we’re surrounded by. The turquoise water, white sand and big boulders make this a favourite place for wedding shoots - you couldn’t ask for a more picturesque setting.

Things to do:

• Take a dip – the water is calm so it’s a nice place to take your kids, they can splash around in the shallows if they’re not ready to take to the sea just yet.
• Bring a picnic or braai with an unbeatable view of the ocean (but leave that bottle of wine at home, there’s a strict no alcohol policy)
• This area is a popular diving spot because of the rich marine life, the colourful Justin’s Cave and the oldest wreck in the country -  Het Huis te Kraaiensteing, which sunk in 1670.
• Take a diving course – there are many beginners’ courses that are held in the area.
• Bring your goggles and snorkel along, there’s plenty to see in the cove near the shore.
• Get snap happy, this is a gorgeous location for landscape shoots or natural portraits.

Party under the stars

Oudekraal is an awesome venue to have an event; from a party to a wedding or corporate function this stunning outdoor space will make it unforgettable. The boma can accommodate 60-70 people and contains several braai areas, power points and lights for nighttime events.  It costs R2000 to rent the area plus a R20 conservation fee per person. If you want to serve alcohol it’ll cost an extra R150 an hour. The outdoor boma can be covered with a gazebo and offers a naturally beautiful setting.

Oudekraal:
+27(0) 21 438 9555

Opening times: 8am – 6pm

Conservation fee: R20 per person, free entrance for WILD Card and TMNP My Green Card holders.

Read about the My Green Card: it entitles you to discounted entries to all Table Mountain National Park pay points. Check out the Facebook album of this idyllic spot.

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